The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-02-20
If France Should Be Unsuccessful the Repub-
lie Would Be Discredited, and the Coun-
try in Danger Of Military Despotism.
Germany Has Nothing to Gain and
Everything to Lose by Great War.
General Belief that the Danger of Cont
mental Struggle Is Passed-Austria Con-
tinues to Prepare for Emerge
WHY THERE WILL BE No WAR.

Neither France Nor Germany Is in a Condi-
ton for a Great Struggle.
Special to the indianapolis Journal
LONDON, Feb. 19.-There are one or two very
solid guarantees for peace in the present situar
ton OF affairs between France and Germany
which it is well to remember. a war under any
circumstances is dangerous to the French re-
public. If unsuccessful the republic will be
discredited and her enemies will take ad-
vantage of the fact. If successful, the gen
eralissimo Of the victorious army is
like enough to play the role of Prince President.
On the other hand, Germany is in the zenith of
her military power, but since 1870 she has drawn
largely on the capital of her reputation, and in
the next struggle she has nothing to gain and
everything to lose. France, again, is alone.
She has not friend in Europe and if she fights
sac will fight by herself and for herself. Under
these circumstances, she will prefer to wait for
complications which may involve her enemy in
some other struggle. At the present moment
Russia would be neutral in Franco German
struggle, but a little later it might
be to Russia's interest to prevent the advance of
Germany and the weakening of France. Lord
Salisbury is aware of the almost intensely pa
~AAAS
be distinctly stated that there is nothing in the
official information of the past week which Goes
not tend to strengthen Lord Salisburys opinion
that the peril of is being steadily mini
mixed. OF course. there is risk of
war while nations evolve Bismarcks and
Boulangers; while they maintain mill
ions of men in arms, there is
always danger of war At present, however,
the danger is, if anything. less than usual.
When rulers mean to break the peace they do
not advertise the fact beforehand to the extent
which Price Bismarck is doing at present. ALI
the interesting rumors which are floating about
may, therefore, be neglected safely Indeed, the
fall in foreign securities is already so great that
were war actually to occur there would
hardly be a much greater drop. The
directors Of the Bank of England do
not expect any immediate trouble. If they did
they would advance the bank rate. The proba-
bilities, in this view, are in favor of peace.
Neither France nor Germany has anything to
gain by war; on the contrary, each has much to
lose. Defeat to France would mean something
like national extinction, while to the German
empire it might bring dissolution, and certainly
hopeless bankruptcy. The rulers of both coun
tsies, knowing the risks which war would in
volve, are not likely to incur them unless
| there is some unavoidable necessity for resortine
to hostilites. The tone Of the French press EN-
bodies a cheerful sign. The French are making
| obvious in every way their desire for peace, and
their determination not to be the aggressors, sc
| that ever Prince Bismarck will find it hard te
| make an excuse for attacking them When the
| German elections. which take place on Monday
are over, we shall know better where Prince
Bismarck stands, and if he wins there will be ne
| more immediate fear of war between France anG
| Germany